Financing decisions (HIPs)

Financing decisions are legal acts adopted by the European Commission in order to authorise its Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) to spend from the EU budget and grant funding for humanitarian actions. They identify, among others, the region of implementation, the humanitarian crisis, the objectives, the available funds and potential partners for EU humanitarian assistance. Decisions are taken on the basis of needs assessments.

Since 2012, the European Commission adopts yearly a 'Worldwide Decision' which covers all humanitarian aid actions which the European Commission anticipates to fund during a given period, as explained in ECHO's Annual Strategy. In the context of this Decision, ECHO prepares and publishes 'Humanitarian Implementation Plans (HIPs)' which provide more detailed information on the operational priorities identified.

Besides the HIPs, the European Commission can also allocate funds following emergency or ad-hoc decisions. Read more about the funding.

To apply for EU humanitarian funding, organisations need to sign a partnership agreement with the European Commission. Read more on becoming a partner.